How to Change Your Apple Account Trusted Phone Number
To change an Apple Account trusted phone number, open Settings, select the Apple Account name, choose Sign-In & Security, open Two-Factor Authentication, and edit Trusted Phone Numbers. Add the replacement number before removing the old number. Apple may require a verification code from an existing trusted device or number.
Steps
- Open Settings on an iPhone or iPad, then select the Apple Account name at the top.
- Tap Sign-In & Security, select Two-Factor Authentication, and review the listed trusted phone numbers.
- Tap Edit beside the trusted numbers section, then choose Add a Trusted Phone Number.
- Enter the replacement number, select the preferred verification method, and enter the code sent by Apple.
- After verification, select the old number and choose Remove Trusted Phone Number. Confirm the removal.
On a Mac, open Apple menu > System Settings > Apple Account > Sign-In & Security. The trusted phone number controls appear under two-factor authentication.
Common Issues and Fixes
- The verification code does not arrive: The number may have weak cellular service, message filtering, or incorrect country formatting. Confirm the country code and request a voice call or SMS again.
- The old number cannot be removed: Apple requires at least one trusted phone number for two-factor authentication. Add and verify a replacement number first.
- No trusted number or trusted device is available: Account security cannot be changed immediately without verification. Start Apple Account recovery through the official Apple account recovery process.
- The replacement number is already linked to another account: Apple may reject the number because of account-security limits. Use another mobile number or review the number’s existing Apple Account association.
- The option is missing: Outdated iOS, iPadOS, or macOS software can hide security controls. Update the device and sign in again.
🤔Note:
If no trusted phone number or trusted device is available, Apple may require account recovery before security settings can be changed. Use the official Apple account recovery process and avoid removing your last available verification method.
Quick Tips
- A trusted phone number receives Apple Account verification codes; it does not need to be the number used for iMessage or FaceTime.
- Keep access to a trusted Apple device before removing an old verification number.
- Add a secondary trusted number when possible to reduce access problems during travel, SIM replacement, or service interruptions.
- Changing an Apple Account trusted phone number does not automatically change the contact number stored with mobile carriers, banks, or other services.
💡Protip:
Add and verify a secondary trusted phone number whenever possible. This provides another way to receive verification codes if your primary number is unavailable during travel, SIM replacement, or a service interruption.
Related Questions
Can the old verification number be removed without adding a new number?
Usually, no. Apple generally requires at least one trusted phone number for two-factor authentication. Add and verify a replacement number before removing the old number.
What happens after removing an old Apple Account trusted number?
The old number should no longer receive Apple Account verification codes. Existing signed-in devices may remain trusted, while future sign-ins require another trusted number or trusted device.
